My TN Connection

More and more organizations are requiring longer distances on 1000BASE networks, especially in the Telco, Service Provider, utilities and transport market sectors. We are all aware of the limitations on multimode fiber and that distances of up to 125km can be achieved by using single mode fiber. But, what options do organizations that require 400km distances, yet only have multimode fiber interfaces (1000BASE-SX) on their devices, have?

They could put expensive high port fiber switching devices at certain locations in the link. But this will require delivering power to the equipment and there is the potential that many of the fiber ports could go unused and therefore be wasted. This is an unfavorable scenario, especially if you are working on a cost per port budget.

A better option is to use a media converter which can also retime and regenerate the signals, like Transition Networks’ SFMFF13xx-280. It should be noted that there are many different models based on the distances required on the single mode fiber, from 10km to 125km. By cascading two or more devices together, hundreds of kilometers of distance can be achieved. While using the SFMFF13xx-280 in conjunction with other Transition Networks devices allows you to fan out the networks and drop off multimode connections at certain points. Take a look at the diagrams below for typical applications.

As with most Transition Networks products there are options available for mounting the converters and also the ability to use a piggyback power supply to deliver DC power rather than AC power.

Fig. 1 - Basic Connection

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Fig. 2 - Extended Connection

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Fig. 3

Keywords: Applications, connection, cost, distances, Equipment, Fiber, Fibre, Gigabit Networks, interfaces, LC, Media Converter, Multimode Fiber, Networks, Port, ports, Products, SC, Single Mode Fiber, ST, switch, Switching, Transition Networks

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